Delivering Goods Via Uber: A New Possibility
Ride-hailing and food delivery giant Uber has unveiled a new venture in Germany: package delivery. The service, dubbed "Uber Courier," is now operational in nine cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Stuttgart, and Mannheim, as announced in Berlin.
The service leverages Uber's existing network of delivery partners, who transport goods by bicycle or car, depending on the shipment's size and distance. Each package should not exceed 20 kg individually and should not surpass 60 kg in total, and it must fit within the trunk of a mid-sized car.
Much like Uber's ride service, fees for "Uber Courier" are displayed in the app and are calculated based on travel time and distance. The service is intended for both individual users and small local businesses, allowing prompt citywide shipping of ordered items to customers.
Uber's expansion into package delivery comes amidst ongoing tension with traditional taxi associations and political figures in Germany, who have criticized the company's business models and working conditions. Despite this opposition, Uber has managed to secure cooperation with approximately 20% of taxis in major cities like Berlin, with over 4,000 taxi drivers across Germany using their services.
The ensuing friction between Uber and local transportation stakeholders remains a focus, while Uber continues to expand its services and penetrate the German market.
The new Uber Courier service, operating in nine German cities, uses its network of delivery partners from the transportation industry to carry packages using bicycles or cars, showcasing an intersection between transportation and technology. This service, available in the app for both individual users and small local businesses, also integrates with the finance sector as fees are based on travel time and distance, potentially competing with existing courier and shipping companies in the industry.
